The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has commissioned the newly expanded Essikado-Ketan Sub-Metropolitan District Council office, with Metropolitan Chief Executive Hon. Frederick Faustinus Faidoo, Esq., using the occasion to announce stricter maintenance oversight for public facilities across the metropolis.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the forecourt of the facility, brought together assembly officials, traditional leaders, political representatives, media personnels, and residents to witness the formal opening of the upgraded office complex.
Originally designed as an eleven-unit office structure, the project was later upgraded into a seventeen-unit facility to meet the growing administrative demands of the sub-metro. The expanded complex now accommodates additional office spaces, two sanitary rooms, a conference room, and a water reservoir, creating a more functional and conducive working environment for staff and stakeholders.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency, Hon. Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Madam Princess Yamadie emphasized the importance of strengthening local governance through targeted infrastructure investments that directly improve service delivery at the community level.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon. Frederick Faustinus Faidoo, in his address, reiterated that quality office infrastructure is critical to improving the productivity of public officers.
“The office space should be conducive enough to bring out the best in you.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, for providing temporary space for staff and workers to continue their duties while construction was ongoing. The traditional ruler was represented at the event by the Obaahema, Nana Afua Kobi, who commended the Assembly for the initiative and urged the community to safeguard the facility.
The event featured an overview of the project by the Metro Works Engineer, welcome remarks by the Sub-Metro District Council Chairman, a vote of thanks by the Sub-Metro District Council Administrator, and the symbolic cutting of tape and unveiling of a memorial plaque.
MCE outlines funding source and project timeline
Speaking to media personnel after the ceremony, Hon. Faidoo disclosed that the previous office structure had remained in a dilapidated state for many years, prompting the Assembly to prioritize its rehabilitation under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) as part of its legacy projects portfolio.
“When I was in office, I realized that this place had to be given a new facelift.”
According to the MCE, one of the most remarkable aspects of the project was the contractor’s ability to complete the work within the six-month timeline provided, describing it as an example other contractors in the metropolis should emulate.
“Within six months, he had finished his job.”
He further revealed that the Assembly is currently undertaking twenty-one projects across the metropolis, with most of them nearing completion.
“Some have reached about 90 percent, some are 85 percent. I believe that by the end of this month, all the projects we are undertaking under the Common Fund will be completed.”
Warning against negligence
The MCE used the media interaction to issue a firm directive on maintenance, stating that the Essikado-Ketan Sub-Metro has been specifically mandated to ensure the newly commissioned facility does not fall back into disrepair.
He disclosed that the Sub-Metro Administrator has been instructed to maintain all furnishings and structures at the highest possible standard, while the Metro Works Engineer has also been tasked to deploy teams to periodically inspect public facilities across the metropolis.
In a strong warning, Hon. Faidoo stated that any officer found negligent in the upkeep of public infrastructure would face sanctions.
“Anytime we have any reports of negligence on the part of any officer, we shall give the necessary sanctions.”
The newly commissioned office is expected to significantly improve local administrative coordination and deepen decentralization efforts within the Essikado-Ketan enclave, while also serving as a model for ongoing refurbishment projects across the metropolis.